After visiting the sites under scout I found two that I will be recommending to my fellow teachers. The Alice Project is a wonderful project for our ELA teachers. But the TEDx Classroom Project is something we all can use. I like the fact that students truly take control of their learning and that the teacher is more of a resource. On-going projects that last a semester or a year is something I am already familiar with since I integrate Quest Atlantis into my curriculum.
Larger projects entail a wider plan for logistics, especially if it includes multiple teachers. Making sure students have access to technology resources on a regular basis is very important, not only equipment, but permissions to access sites. The teacher would need to keep on top of where students are on the projects and conferring with them on a regular basis to assess any issue that might need addressing. Grading deadlines are important to ensure students don’t wait until the last minute to get the project completed. Whether a project is large or small the framework is the same.
Students not only gain knowledge, but they grow in self confidence because they have a larger role in taking responsibility for their own learning and the learning of others. Students have more knowledge than they are given credit for and just need the opportunity to express it. Students have answers we just need to ask the right questions.
A teacher truly knows they have achieved their goal when students have found their learning experience invigorating. These are the types of experiences that students remember and apply throughout their lives. They are learning and using skills that they will use in everything they do. It is by integrating high impact projects into the curriculum that teachers achieve immortality.

Hi Linda,
Wonderful reflections! I am also a huge fan of the TEDxClassroom Project--fantastic use of free resources. I also appreciate that Christian took time to archive the project so that others can follow the trail he has blazed.
When it comes to conferring with students during a project, what are your favorite strategies for checking in? We'll be digging into formative assessment soon, and I know this is an area where veteran teachers have much wisdom to share.
So glad to have you participating in PBL Camp!
Best,
Suzie

Week 2
Since I teach a modified version of a high school course of study, then collaborating with the high school teacher would really help us both out. The practice that I could best borrow/adapt when collaborating with teachers from different schools is meeting regularly. The benefits that are to be gained from working on PBL with a colleague would be as we develop lessons and projects for our students we can get feedback as to shared objectives, vocabulary, methodology, and knowledge. I would be aware of what the high school teacher would like students to know before they get to high school if they chose the broadcasting career path. Collaborating also helps the high school teacher by knowing there are students who have made an educated choice and are serious about learning their craft. The hard part, but not impossible, about planning this way would be finding common time, if a consensus of ideas cannot be achieved, if resources are limited, or if administration is not supportive.

Hi Linda,
I added a link from your project page (Reporting on the Oil Spill) to your Word doc. Looks great--do you have any team members working with you?

Hello, Linda and Suzie, what does Linda mean by "visiting the sites under scout" in her first post? I'm a TED addict and would like to see this TEDx project. I looked on the resources page here at PBLCamp and saw a link to a TED photographer's flicker site, but I don't think that's what she was talking about, especially as there was not link to Alice there. Can you direct me to this "sites under scout" reference?

Thanks,
Vincent